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Self-interest and the theory of action
Barbalet, Jack
Barbalet, Jack
Author
Abstract
The concept of self-interest remains underdeveloped in sociology although central to economics. Recent methodological and social trends render sociological indifference to the concept untenable. The term has enjoyed historical predominance in the West since the sixteenth century. While it is seen in modern economics as a singular motivating force, Adam Smith regarded self-interest in economic action as necessarily moderated by sympathy. In addition to its problematic economic conceptualization self-interest has an experiential basis in unequal power relations. An alternative to the concept of self-interest is presented by Amartya Sen in his account of commitment; its inconsistencies, however, render Sen's statement unsatisfactory. Differences between present and future interests indicate that the distinction between self-interested and other-interested action is not sustainable.
Keywords
Adam Smith, Amartya Sen, commitment, interest, self, sympathy, temporality
Date
2012
Type
Journal article
Journal
British Journal of Sociology
Book
Volume
63
Issue
3
Page Range
412-429
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
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